Patent application title: Layered Eraser

Abstract:

A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at
least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the
outermost eraser layer containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser
layer adjacent at least one other eraser layer; each of the eraser layers
having an outermost surface. The layered eraser may be adapted to fit
about a writing instrument. Each eraser layer adjacent another eraser
layer may have different shaped outermost surfaces. Embodiments include
different eraser layers in the shapes of simulated space ships, simulated
dinosaur heads, and simulated planets. In a preferred embodiment, the
plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraser layer, at least
one intermediate eraser layer completely surrounding the innermost eraser
layer, and an outermost eraser layer completely surrounding the at least
one intermediate layer, one or more eraser layers being exposed after at
least a portion of the layered eraser is worn away.

Claims:

1. A layered eraser, comprising:a plurality of eraser layers, comprising
at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer;said
outermost eraser layer containing said innermost eraser layer;each eraser
layer of said plurality of eraser layers adjacent at least one other said
eraser layer;each said eraser layer having an outermost surface.

2. The layered eraser according to claim 1, wherein:said layered eraser is
adapted to fit about a writing instrument.

3. The layered eraser according to claim 1, wherein:each said eraser layer
adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different shaped said
outermost surface.

4. The layered eraser according to claim 2, wherein:each said eraser layer
adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different shaped said
outermost surface.

6. The layered eraser according to claim 5, wherein:at least a portion of
said innermost eraser layer is exposed after at least a portion of said
outermost eraser layer is worn away.

7. The layered eraser according to claim 3, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface is thematically based.

8. The layered eraser according to claim 3, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
space ship.

9. The layered eraser according to claim 3, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
dinosaur head.

10. The layered eraser according to claim 3, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
planet.

11. The layered eraser according to claim 1, wherein:said layered eraser
has an object embedded within said layered eraser.

12. A layered eraser, comprising:a plurality of eraser layers, comprising
at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer;said
outermost eraser layer surrounding said innermost eraser layer;each
eraser layer of said plurality of eraser layers adjacent at least one
other said eraser layer;each said eraser layer having an outermost
surface.

13. The layered eraser according to claim 12, wherein:said layered eraser
is adapted to fit about a writing instrument.

14. The layered eraser according to claim 12, wherein:each said eraser
layer adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different
shaped said outermost surface.

15. The layered eraser according to claim 13, wherein:each said eraser
layer adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different
shaped said outermost surface.

17. The layered eraser according to claim 16, wherein:at least a portion
of said innermost eraser layer is exposed after at least a portion of
said outermost eraser layer is worn away.

18. The layered eraser according to claim 14, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface is thematically based.

19. The layered eraser according to claim 14, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
space ship.

20. The layered eraser according to claim 14, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
dinosaur head.

21. The layered eraser according to claim 14, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
planet.

22. The layered eraser according to claim 12, wherein:said layered eraser
has an object embedded within said layered eraser.

23. A layered eraser, comprising:a plurality of eraser layers, comprising
an innermost eraser layer, at least one intermediate eraser layer, and an
outermost eraser layer;said outermost eraser layer surrounding said at
least one intermediate eraser layer;said at least one intermediate eraser
layer surrounding said innermost eraser layer;each eraser layer of said
plurality of eraser layers adjacent at least one other said eraser
layer;each said eraser layer having an outermost surface.

24. The layered eraser according to claim 23, wherein:said layered eraser
is adapted to fit about a writing instrument.

25. The layered eraser according to claim 23, wherein:each said eraser
layer adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different
shaped said outermost surface.

26. The layered eraser according to claim 24, wherein:each said eraser
layer adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different
shaped said outermost surface.

28. The layered eraser according to claim 27, wherein:at least a portion
of said at least one intermediate eraser layer is exposed after at least
a portion of said outermost eraser layer is worn away.

29. The layered eraser according to claim 28, wherein:at least a portion
of said at least one innermost eraser layer is exposed after at least a
portion of said at least one intermediate eraser layer is worn away.

30. The layered eraser according to claim 25, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface is thematically based.

31. The layered eraser according to claim 25, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
space ship.

32. The layered eraser according to claim 25, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
dinosaur head.

33. The layered eraser according to claim 25, wherein:each said different
shaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated
planet.

34. The layered eraser according to claim 23, wherein:said layered eraser
has an object embedded within said layered eraser.

Description:

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/953,977, filed Aug. 3, 2007, the full disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates generally to erasers and more
particularly to layered erasers, each of the layered erasers having a
core surrounded by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by at least
one intermediate layer surrounded by a surface layer.

[0004]2. Background Art

[0005]Erasers and the like have been known. Erasers are typically
constructed of rubber or manmade material that allow a user to erase a
mark, such as a pencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indicia from a
surface. The erasers typically have a rubbery consistency, come in a
variety of colors, and comprise a single layer of material, such as
synthetic rubber, plastic or gum-like materials, synthetic soy-based gum,
and may also contain vinyl and pulverized pumice.

[0006]Edward Naime, an English engineer, is credited with creating the
first rubber eraser, using natural rubber, in 1770. However, such natural
rubber erasers were not durable, were perishable, and would go bad over
time. Erasers came into common use, however, after Charles Goodyear
discovered the process of vulcanization in 1839, a method that cured
rubber and made it durable. Hymen Lipman received the first patent on
Mar. 30, 1858 (U.S. Pat. No. 19,783) for attaching an eraser to the end
of a pencil; however, the patent was later invalidated.

[0007]Erasers come in several shapes and sizes. However, the more common
erasers come attached to pencils, conical cap erasers that may be slipped
onto the ends of pencils, block and wedge erasers that may be rectangular
or block shaped, and barrel erasers contained in a barrel of a
retractable cylinder. Novelty erasers are also available that have a
variety of colors, shapes, and designs that are primarily intended for
their decorative nature than practical use.

[0008]These erasers are typically not usable as erasers and for
instructional purposes and/or entertainment, in which a user may view
different layers or internal workings of an object or class of objects.

[0009]Erasers are necessary that may be used for instructional purposes
and/or entertainment and that may be used practically as erasers and that
have a plurality of layers that allow a user to visualize different
objects and the internal structures of such objects as one or more layers
are worn down are necessary. Such erasers should have a core surrounded
by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by one or more intermediate
layers and a surface layer.

[0010]Layered erasers and the like that have a plurality of layers, multi
layered erasers, or erasers having nested layers having an outer layer
surrounding an inner core and/or an outer layer surrounding at least one
intermediate layer, which surrounds an inner core are needed.

[0011]The layered erasers and the like should have a plurality of layers
that typically exemplify an object or objects within a class of objects
are needed. Each of the surrounding layers should have an attribute of a
particular object, or each layer should be of a different object in a
class of objects, or a combination thereof.

[0012]A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such
as "Frisky" may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes,
may be, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

[0013]Alternatively, layered erasers and the like should have a plurality
of surrounding layers that represent different objects in different
object classes. Different objects may be, for example, different animals,
such as a dog, a cat, and a mouse.

[0014]Different erasers and the like have heretofore been known. However,
none of the erasers and the like adequately satisfies these
aforementioned needs.

[0015]U.S. Pat. No. 294,295 (Whiting) discloses a slate eraser having a
piece of sponge or other absorbent material secured to a handle that has
a water tight cup in which additional absorbent material is contained.

[0016]U.S. Pat. No. 328,778 (Holton, Jr.) discloses an erasive rubber that
embodies a single mass, as a block, tablet, or point composed of a number
of layers or strata, alternate ones of which are made of rubber of
varying quality, composition, or vulcanization, and between these layers
other layers of virgin rubber or pure rubber that is slightly vulcanized
are interposed, all the layers being united together by rubbe4r cement or
by virgin rubber and slight further vulcanization.

[0018]U.S. Pat. No. 873,327 (Perkins) discloses a flexible blackboard
eraser, comprising a spirally wound flexible strip constituting a body
having a flat top and bottom, the extreme outer end of the strip being
secured to the outer edge of the body, and the coils of the spiral being
otherwise disconnected, and a back formed of freely flexible material
covering the entire top of the body and closing the joints between the
turns of the spiral.

[0019]U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,074 (Roberts) discloses a pencil sharpener,
comprising a head member having a through-opening, the head member being
spherical in shape, and made of wood, plastic or metal, the outer surface
of which has painted facial markings or indicia to resemble a doll's
face.

[0020]U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,328 (Horie) discloses an eraser capable of
erasing characters and the like written on paper with a ball-point pen,
fountain pen, typewriter, word processor, color pencil or the like. The
eraser has an integral structure composed of plural types of eraser
pieces having different hardnesses and an abrasive material, the eraser
pieces and the abrasive material existing respectively in a particulately
dispersed state. A method for manufacturing such eraser comprises steps
of kneading plural types of major eraser materials that have been
previously vulcanized and shaped at need with an abrasive material and
vulcanizing and shaping the resulting mixture. These plural types of
major eraser materials are such that erasers having different hardnesses
can be produced, if each of the major eraser materials is either
vulcanized or heated and shaped alone, and that particles of the major
eraser materials exist independently from one another even if these
materials are kneaded.

[0021]U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,548 (Ostrowski) discloses an improved eraser
holder on a pencil having an eraser support band that can be removed in
incremental sections to provide access to additional portions of the
eraser, after the original exposed portion has been worn down. Fracture
lines on the band facilitate incremental removal of the sections, and the
fracture lines are axially misaligned to strengthen the holder.

[0022]U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,465 (Rago, et al.) discloses a pencil with an
exposable eraser. The pencil has a fixed non-replaceable eraser and a
moveable sleeve. The fixed non-replaceable eraser is elongated to provide
a larger eraser to pencil ratio in order to have more erase cycles per
write cycles. The moveable sleeve can be moved to selectively expose a
portion of the eraser. A ferrule couples the pencil body and the eraser
together, and provides an outer surface to engage an inner surface of the
moveable sleeve. In one embodiment, a threaded female slot in the outer
surface of the ferrule engages a male threaded tab in the inner surface
of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric slots in
the outer surface of the ferrule engage a tab in the inner surface of the
sleeve.

[0024]U.S. Pat. No. D366,671 (Kitzmiller) discloses an ornamental design
for an eraser having a sunburst, and U.S. Pat. No. D366,672 (Kitzmiller)
discloses an easer having a swirl.

[0025]U.S. Pat. No. D303,992 (Grotsch) discloses a retractable holder for
an eraser or similar article.

[0026]Web site http://www.itasho.com/ discloses a mini eraser collection
of more than three hundred erasers, many of which can be taken apart by
color, so that the erasers can be played with and assembled in different
ways, parts of which are assembled separately by color.

[0027]Web site http://www.hapaculture.com/life/kids/raishapa/erdinsr.html
erasers in the shapes of Sauropod, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, and
Triceratop dinosaurs that have moveable legs and are of different colors.

[0028]Erasers are also sold by Maped, a French company. A layered eraser
sold by Maped has a product identification number of 119510.

[0029]U.S. Pat. No. D161,423 (Claflin) discloses an ornamental design for
a set of educational toy blocks.

[0030]U.S. Pat. No. 2,874,649 (Pelletier) discloses a process for
producing candy incorporating an inset design, comprising molding a candy
core having a cross section corresponding to but comprising an
enlargement of the desired ultimate inset design, intimately surrounding
and supporting the candy core with a candy matrix, while conforming the
periphery of the surrounding matrix to a cylindrical form.

[0031]U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,273 (Curtiss) discloses a confectionary product,
comprising chewing gum having a plurality of cavities thereby forming a
spongy mass and a confection embodies in the cavities.

[0032]U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,892 (Kehoe, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,116
(Kehoe, et al.) disclose methods and apparatus for production of
multi-flavored and multi-colored chewing gum, in which multi-veined
chewing gum is produced by injecting a plurality of different liquid
flavor/dye compositions into a substantially homogeneous gum base
composition or into a laminated or coextruded gum composition. In
embodiments of the invention substantially straight longitudinal veins of
color are partially mixed to partially displace colored veins in a
direction transverse to the direction of extrusion, so as to create
veined, multi-colored patterns substantially throughout a cross section
of the product in a manner such that the multi-colored patterns in the
cross-section differ along the length of the extrudate. The extrudate is
cut to obtain gum pieces having different veins of injected liquid
additives, which provide a swirled or marbleized pattern in the opposing
cut ends. The injected liquid additive compositions may include flavors,
dyes, lakes, high intensity sweeteners, therapeutic agents, breath
freshening agents, and mixtures thereof. Surface veins may also be
produced by injection of liquid colorant/flavorant compositions onto the
substantially homogeneous gum base composition, as it passes through the
extrusion head barrel. The surface veins may be disrupted or displaced
independently of the interior veins, using a rotatable sleeve or gum rope
twisting device.

[0033]U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,742 (McHale, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,345
(McHale, et al.) disclose a multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and a method
and apparatus for making the multi-phase sheeted chewing gum that
includes a first mass of a chewing gum formed in a generally flat sheet
and a second mass of a confectionery product having a different color
than the first mass. The second mass is smaller than the first mass and
is embedded in the first mass, so as to be visible with the first mass
from the top surface of the chewing gum. The method includes the steps of
forming the first mass into a slab with a generally flat surface. The
second mass is formed into at least one piece, which is brought into
contact with the flat surface. The slab and the piece are pressed to
produce a generally flat sheet, which is cut into segments of desired
width, length and shape.

[0035]For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a layered eraser that
may be used for instructional purposes and/or entertainment, in which a
user may view different layers or internal workings of an object or class
of objects. Erasers are necessary that may be used for instructional
purposes and/or entertainment and that may be used practically as erasers
and that have a plurality of layers that allow a user to visualize
different objects and the internal structures of such objects as one or
more layers are worn down are necessary. Such erasers should have a core
surrounded by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by one or more
intermediate layers and a surface layer.

[0036]Layered erasers and the like that have a plurality of layers, multi
layered erasers, or erasers having nested layers having an outer layer
surrounding an inner core and/or an outer layer surrounding at least one
intermediate layer, which surrounds an inner core are needed.

[0037]The layered erasers and the like should have a plurality of layers
that typically exemplify an object or objects within a class of objects
are needed. Each of the surrounding layers should have an attribute of a
particular object, or each layer should be of a different object in a
class of objects, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, layered
erasers and the like should have a plurality of surrounding layers that
represent different objects in different object classes.

SUMMARY

[0038]The present invention is directed to a layered eraser having a core
surrounded by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by at least one
intermediate layer surrounded by a surface layer. The layered eraser may
be used for instructional purposes and/or entertainment, in which a user
may view different layers or internal workings of an object or class of
objects. The layered eraser may be used for instructional purposes, for
entertainment, and as an eraser, and has a plurality of layers that allow
a user to visualize different objects and the internal structures of such
objects as one or more layers are worn down. The layered eraser has a
core surrounded by a surface layer or outermost layer and/or a core
surrounded by one or more intermediate layers and a surface layer or
outermost layer.

[0039]Erasers having a plurality of layers may be considered to be layered
erasers, multi layered erasers, or erasers having nested layers having an
outer layer surrounding an inner core and/or an outer layer surrounding
at least one intermediate layer, which surrounds an inner core.

[0040]The layered eraser has a plurality of layers that typically
exemplifies an object or objects within a class of objects. Each of the
surrounding layers has an attribute of a particular object, or each layer
may be of a different object in a class of objects, or a combination
thereof.

[0041]A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such
as "Frisky" may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes,
may be, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

[0042]Alternatively, the layered eraser may have a plurality of
surrounding layers that represent different objects in different object
classes.

[0043]Different objects may be, for example, different animals, such as a
dog, a cat, and a mouse.

[0044]Alternatively, different layers of the layered eraser may represent
different themes, or the different layers may be thematically based.

[0045]In an embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,
comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an
innermost layer and an outermost layer, the outermost layer containing
the innermost layer, the innermost layer having an innermost interior
surface and an innermost exterior surface, the outermost layer having an
outermost interior surface and an outermost exterior surface, the
innermost exterior surface adjacent the outermost interior surface, the
innermost exterior surface and the outermost exterior having a different
shape one from the other, a portion of the outermost interior surface
adapted to be mounted to a writing instrument.

[0046]Each of the plurality of layers comprises a different eraser layer
that may be used to erase a mark, such as a pencil mark, ink mark, the
like, or indicia from a surface. Portions of different layers of the
layered eraser are exposed and become visible, as the eraser is being
used and worn down.

[0047]In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,
comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an
innermost layer and an outermost layer, the innermost layer having an
innermost interior surface and an innermost exterior surface, at least
one intermediate layer having at least one intermediate interior surface
and at least one intermediate exterior surface, the outermost layer
surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, the at least one
intermediate layer surrounding the innermost layer, the outermost layer
having an outermost interior surface and an outermost exterior surface,
the innermost exterior surface adjacent the at least one intermediate
interior surface, the at least one intermediate exterior surface adjacent
the outermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surface and the
outermost exterior having a different shape one from the other, a portion
of the outermost interior surface adapted to be mounted to a writing
instrument.

[0048]The portion of the outermost interior surface, which is adapted to
be mounted to the writing instrument, typically has a partially hollow
receiving portion to receive or be mounted to the top of a pencil or pen,
although other suitable arrangements for mounting the layered eraser to a
writing instrument may be used.

[0049]The multi-layered eraser may be also be used by itself, rather than
being mounted on a writing instrument and have a solid core.

[0050]In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,
comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an
innermost layer and an outermost layer, the outermost layer containing
the innermost layer, the innermost layer having an innermost exterior
surface, the outermost layer having an outermost interior surface and an
outermost exterior surface, the innermost exterior surface adjacent the
outermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surface and the
outermost exterior having a different shape one from the other.

[0051]In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,
comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an
innermost layer and an outermost layer, the innermost layer having an
innermost exterior surface, at least one intermediate layer having at
least one intermediate interior surface and at least one intermediate
exterior surface, the outermost layer surrounding the at least one
intermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer surrounding the
innermost layer, the outermost layer having an outermost interior surface
and an outermost exterior surface, the outermost layer having an
outermost interior surface and an outermost exterior surface, the
innermost exterior surface adjacent the at least one intermediate
interior surface, the at least one intermediate exterior surface adjacent
the outermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surface and the
outermost exterior having a different shape one from the other.

[0052]In addition to a variety of different shapes of the layers of the
multi-layered erasers, the layers may be of different colors, textures
pigments, and/or a combination of colors, textures, and/or pigments.

[0053]A molding process is also shown. Suitable material for fabricating a
layer or layers of the layered eraser is poured into a mold. A mold is
cut after it has cured to remove a particular layer from the mold.
Clamping means or their equivalent are used to keep the two halves of the
mold together. Upon fabrication of a particular layer or layers, the two
halves of the mold may be separated, and the layer or layers fabricated
therein may be removed. When the layered eraser has cured, the layered
eraser may be removed from the mold.

[0054]A layered eraser having features of the present invention comprises:
a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an innermost layer
and an outermost layer, the innermost layer having an innermost exterior
surface, at least one intermediate layer having at least one intermediate
interior surface and at least one intermediate exterior surface, the
outermost layer surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, the at
least one intermediate layer surrounding the innermost layer, the
outermost layer having an outermost interior surface and an outermost
exterior surface, the outermost layer having an outermost interior
surface and an outermost exterior surface, the innermost exterior surface
adjacent the at least one intermediate interior surface, the at least one
intermediate exterior surface adjacent the outermost interior surface,
the innermost exterior surface and the outermost exterior having a
different shape one from the other.

[0055]A layered eraser having features of the present invention also
comprises: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least an innermost
eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the outermost eraser layer
containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer of the plurality
of eraser layers adjacent at least one other eraser layer; each of the
eraser layers having an outermost surface. The layered eraser may be
adapted to fit about a writing instrument. In a preferred embodiment,
each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer has a different shaped
outermost surface. Embodiments include different eraser layers in the
shape of simulated space ships, different shaped simulated dinosaur
heads, and different shaped simulated planets. In a preferred embodiment,
the plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraser layer, at
least one intermediate eraser layer surrounding the innermost eraser
layer, and an outermost eraser layer surrounding the at least one
intermediate layer.

DRAWINGS

[0056]These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the following
description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0057]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a layered eraser, showing a
simulated space ship, constructed in accordance with the present
invention, which shows an outermost layer of the layered eraser;

[0058]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 mounted
on a pencil; the pencil being shown in phantom;

[0059]FIG. 3 is a perspective cross section view of the layered eraser of
FIG. 1 showing an outermost layer, an intermediate layer, and an
innermost layer of the layered eraser;

[0060]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate layer of the
layered eraser of FIG. 1;

[0061]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the innermost layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0062]FIG. 6 is a top cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 showing
the intermediate layer and the innermost layer of the layered eraser;

[0063]FIG. 7 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1
showing the innermost layer and showing the intermediate layer, the
outermost layer, and the pencil of FIG. 1 in phantom;

[0064]FIG. 8 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1
showing the intermediate layer of the layered eraser;

[0065]FIG. 9 is a top cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 showing
the intermediate layer of the layered eraser;

[0066]FIG. 10 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG.
1 showing the intermediate layer and showing the outermost layer and the
pencil of FIG. 1 in phantom;

[0067]FIG. 11 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1, and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0068]FIG. 12 is a front view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0069]FIG. 13 is a side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0070]FIG. 14 is another side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0071]FIG. 15 is a rear view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0072]FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, in
particular, the outermost layer;

[0073]FIG. 17 is a top view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0074]FIG. 18 is a front view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0075]FIG. 19 is a side view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0076]FIG. 20 is another side view of the intermediate layer of the
layered eraser of FIG. 1;

[0077]FIG. 21 is a rear view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0078]FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0079]FIG. 23 is a top view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 1;

[0080]FIG. 24 is a front view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 1;

[0081]FIG. 25 is a side view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 1;

[0082]FIG. 26 is another side view of the innermost layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0083]FIG. 27 is a rear view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 1;

[0084]FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the innermost layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 1;

[0085]FIG. 29 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a layered
eraser, showing a globe simulating the Earth's crust mounted on a pencil,
the pencil being shown in phantom;

[0086]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29 shown
mounted on the pencil, the pencil being shown in phantom;

[0087]FIG. 31 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29;

[0088]FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29;

[0089]FIG. 33 is a cross section view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29
showing an innermost layer, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer
of the layered eraser;

[0090]FIG. 34 a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29 being
fabricated;

[0091]FIG. 35 a perspective view of a mold for fabricating the layered
eraser of FIG. 29;

[0092]FIG. 36 a perspective view of a device for nesting different layers
of the layered eraser of FIG. 29;

[0093]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the outermost layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 29 being fabricated about the intermediate layer of the
layered eraser;

[0094]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
layered eraser, showing a simulated T-Rex dinosaur head mounted on a
portion of a pencil, the portion of the pencil being shown in phantom,
and mouth portion of the layered eraser worn away;

[0095]FIG. 39 is a side view of an epidermis layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 38;

[0096]FIG. 40 is a side view of a musculature layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 38;

[0097]FIG. 41 is a side view of a skeletal layer of the layered eraser of
FIG. 38 showing the epidermis layer in outline;

[0098]FIG. 42 is a side view of a brain layer of the layered eraser of
FIG. 38 showing the epidermis layer in outline;

[0099]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
layered eraser, showing a simulated Triceratops dinosaur head;

[0100]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 43
mounted on a portion of a pencil, the portion of the pencil being shown
in phantom;

[0101]FIG. 45 is a perspective cross section view of the layered eraser of
FIG. 43 showing an outermost layer, an intermediate layer, and an
innermost layer of the layered eraser;

[0102]FIG. 46 is a side view of the outermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 43;

[0103]FIG. 47 is a side view of the intermediate layer of the layered
eraser of FIG. 43;

[0104]FIG. 48 is a side view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser
of FIG. 43;

[0105]FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
layered eraser, showing a simulated dog in a simulated carrying case
mounted on a pencil, the pencil being shown in phantom;

[0106]FIG. 50 is an exploded view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

[0107]FIG. 51 is a front view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

[0108]FIG. 52 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

[0109]FIG. 53 is a side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

[0110]FIG. 54 is another side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

[0111]FIG. 55 is a rear view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49; and

[0112]FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49.

DESCRIPTION

[0113]The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1-56 of the drawings. Identical elements in the
various figures are identified with the same reference numbers.

[0114]FIGS. 1-56 show embodiments of the present invention, which are
layered erasers each of which has a plurality of eraser layers. In the
embodiments shown, each of the layered erasers has an innermost layer, an
outermost layer, and an optional intermediate layer nested between the
innermost layer and the outermost layer, although other suitable layers
may be used. The layered erasers may have two or more layers, depending
upon the application selected.

[0115]The outermost layer, which may be considered to be the surface
layer, contains or surrounds the optional intermediate layer and the
innermost layer, which may be considered to be the core. The outermost
layer, or the surface layer, surrounds the innermost layer, or the core,
when the layered eraser has two layers. When the layered eraser has more
than two layers: the outermost layer, or the surface layer, surrounds at
least one intermediate layer; and the at least one intermediate layer
surrounds the innermost layer, or the core.

[0116]Each of the layered erasers may have an optional chamber adapted to
mount the layered eraser to a writing instrument.

[0117]FIGS. 1-28 show an embodiment of the present invention, a layered
eraser 10 having an outermost layer 12, an intermediate layer 14, and an
innermost layer 16. The outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14,
and the innermost layer 16 are each in the form of different simulated
space ships. The outermost layer 12 of the layered eraser 10 has
outermost layer surface 18 having the shape of a first simulated space
ship; the intermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 has intermediate
layer surface 20 having the shape of a second simulated space ship; and
the innermost layer 16 of the layered eraser 10 has innermost layer
surface 22 having the shape of a third simulated space ship. The
innermost layer 16 is nested within the intermediate layer 14, and the
intermediate layer 14 is nested within the outermost layer 12.

[0118]The outermost layer 12 surrounds the intermediate layer 14, and the
intermediate layer 14 surrounds the innermost layer 16. The outermost
layer 12 may be considered to be the surface layer of the layered eraser
10. The innermost layer 16 may be considered to be core of the layered
eraser 10.

[0119]The layered eraser 10 has substantially cylindrical end portion 24
and substantially cylindrical chamber 26 for optionally receiving top
portion 28 of pencil 30 therein and mounting on the pencil 30. The
substantially cylindrical end portion 24 and/or the substantially
cylindrical chamber 26 may have other suitable shapes for mounting to the
top of the pencil 30. Alternatively, the substantially cylindrical end
portion 24 of the layered eraser 10 may be adapted to fit into or on top
of other suitable or alternative pencils. The substantially cylindrical
chamber 26 of the layered eraser 10 may be adapted to fit about, on top
of, or to cap the pencil 30, a pen, or other suitable writing instrument
or other suitable instrument, or alternatively be conical shaped or have
another suitable shape to fit about, on top of, or to cap the pencil 30,
a pen, or other suitable writing instrument or other suitable instrument.

[0120]Adjacent layers of the plurality of eraser layers of the layered
eraser 10 typically have distinguishing features, characteristics, and/or
properties that are different from each other, in order to distinguish
each of the plurality of layers from each other. The adjacent layers of
the plurality of eraser layers of the layered eraser 10 may be of
different colors, textures, pigments, be of different materials, and have
other suitable means, and/or any combination thereof, in order to
distinguish the adjacent layers from each other. Thus, as the layered
eraser 10 wears down from use, one or more layers of the plurality of
layers of the layered eraser 10 become exposed.

[0121]The outermost layer 12 and the intermediate layer 14 may, for
example, be of different colors, textures, pigments, be of different
materials, have other suitable means, and/or any combination thereof, in
order to distinguish the outermost layer 12 and the intermediate layer 14
from each other. The intermediate layer 14 and the innermost layer 16
may, for example, be of different colors, textures, pigments, be of
different materials, have other suitable means, and/or any combination
thereof, in order to distinguish the intermediate layer 14 and the
innermost layer 16 from each other. Other suitable means may, however, be
used to distinguish the different layers one from the other.

[0123]FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of the layered eraser 10, which
shows the outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14, the innermost
layer 16, the outermost layer surface 18, the intermediate layer surface
20, and the innermost layer surface 22, respectively, having the shape of
the first simulated space ship, the shape of the second simulated space
ship, and the shape of the third simulated space ship, respectively. FIG.
3 also shows the substantially cylindrical end portion 24 and the
substantially cylindrical chamber 26 that may optionally be used to mount
the layered eraser 10 to the top portion 28 of the pencil 30.

[0124]FIGS. 4 and 5 show the intermediate layer 14, having the shape of
the second simulated space ship, and the innermost layer 16, having the
shape of the third simulated space ship, respectively.

[0125]FIGS. 6-10 show various cutaway views of the layered eraser 10
showing the outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14, and the
innermost layer 16, respectively.

[0126]FIGS. 11-16 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of the
layered eraser 10, and, in particular, the outermost layer 12 having the
shape of the first simulated space ship.

[0127]FIGS. 17-22 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of the
intermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 having the shape of the
second simulated space ship.

[0128]FIGS. 23-28 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of the
innermost layer 16 having the shape of the third simulated space ship.

[0129]The layered eraser 10 has a plurality of layers, and may also be
referred to as a multi layered eraser or nested eraser, and is typically
constructed of rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic or gum-like materials,
synthetic soy-based gum, and may also contain vinyl and pulverized
pumice, manmade material, natural material, other suitable materials, or
any combination thereof that allow a user to erase a mark, such as a
pencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indicia from a surface. As a user
erases a mark, such as a pencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indicia from
a surface, on or more different layers of the layered eraser 10 are
exposed.

[0130]The layered eraser 10 may be used, for example, to erase pencil
markings, ink, or other suitable marking, from paper, wood, metal, or a
variety of other suitable surfaces, and reveal typically one, two, or
more layers of the layered eraser 10, as the one or more of the layers of
the layered eraser 10 are worn away, during each succeeding use.

[0131]The layered eraser 10 may be constructed of rubber, polyvinyl
chloride synthetic rubber, other suitable material, or any combination
thereof, which wears away from repeated erasures.

[0132]Users can elect to wear away a partial or full portion or portions
of the layered eraser 10 to reveal a cross section of one or more layers,
or erase around one entire layer at a time, ultimately revealing one or
more, or as many layers as desired.

[0133]The layered eraser 10 may be mounted at the top of the pencil 30 or
to cap the pencil 30 or a pen, or the layered eraser 10 may be used
independently of the pencil 30, such as in a typical hand held eraser.

[0134]Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may be used, having
different outermost layers, different intermediate layers, and different
innermost layers, and having different outermost layer surfaces,
different intermediate layer surfaces, and different innermost layer
surface.

[0135]The layered eraser 10 and the alternative embodiments of the present
invention may be used for instructional purposes, especially in those
cases where such layered erasers show the outermost layer, intermediate
layers, and innermost layers of real objects or other suitable objects,
such as, for example, a dinosaur head, the Earth, a spaceship, an
airplane, a boat, an automobile, anatomical studies of living organisms,
superheroes whose costumes erase away to reveal secret identities, or
other suitable objects, and/or may be used for enjoyment of children
and/or adults alike, as well as for instructional purposes.

[0136]Each of the layered erasers has a plurality of layers, and typically
exemplifies an object or objects within a class of objects. Each layer
may have an attribute of a particular object, or each layer may be of a
different object in a class of objects, or a combination thereof.

[0137]A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such
as "Frisky" may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes,
may be, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

[0138]Therefore, an alternative embodiment of the layered eraser 10 may be
a dinosaur with each of the layers representing a different attribute of
the dinosaur object Stegosaurus, such as, for example, the exterior,
muscles, skeletal, and organs of the dinosaur Stegosaurus.

[0139]Alternatively, an alternative embodiment of the layered eraser 10
may have a plurality of layers with each of the layers representing a
different dinosaur object, such as Tyrannosaurus, Plesiosaurus, and
Brachiosaurus within the class dinosaur.

[0140]Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may alternatively
have a combination of layers, some of which represent attributes of a
particular dinosaur object or objects and others, which represent
different dinosaur objects within the class dinosaur.

[0141]Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may represent a
particular theme or themes in a story or other suitable types of themes,
and, thus, be thematically based. The outermost layer 12, the
intermediate layer 14, and the innermost layer 16 may, for example, be
thematically based.

[0142]The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 may
optionally be constructed of a wear resistant material, enabling the
innermost layer 16 or core to remain in tact after the outermost layer 12
and/or the intermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 are worn down.
The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 and/or the
innermost layer or core of any of the other alternative embodiments of
the layered eraser 10 may, for example, be retained as a collectible item
or toy or other suitable object for continued play or instructional
purposes, after the eraser material of the intermediate layer 14 and the
outermost layer 12 of the layered eraser 10 or the other alternative
embodiments are worn away.

[0143]The layered eraser 10, the multi-layered eraser, or the nested
eraser, or other suitable alternative embodiments may be accompanied with
a fact sheet, such as, for example, an Astronomy Factoid card with facts
about space and space travel that may accompany a multi layered eraser
space ship and/or multi-layered planet. The fact sheets or cards may
contain the name or names of the simulated space ship or space ships,
their missions and crew compliments.

[0144]The layered eraser 10 may have a toy and/or prize or other suitable
object inside the layered eraser 10. The object, toy, and/or prize may be
of plastic, polyvinylchloride, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers,
rubber, metal, wood, or other suitable material or combination thereof.
The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 or any of the
embodiments of the present invention may comprise a suitable object, the
toy and/or prize, or the innermost layer 16 or core may have a container
therein for housing the object, toy and/or prize, or the innermost layer
16 or core may have the object, toy and/or prize embedded therein or
encapsulated therein. Other suitable means may also be used to contain a
suitable object, the toy and/or prize in one or more layers of the
layered eraser 10 and/or any of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0146]The layered eraser 10 has at least one layer of the plurality of
layers completely surrounding one or more of the other layers of the
layered eraser 10. One or more layers of the plurality of layers is then
exposed after at least one use and after at least a portion of the
outermost layer 12 of the layered eraser 10 is worn away.

[0147]Alternatively, other embodiments of the present invention include
one or more layers partially surrounded by one or more other layers.

[0148]FIGS. 29-33 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 50,
which is substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that the
layered eraser 50 is of a globe simulating the Earth, a planet, a moon,
or other astronomical object.

[0149]The layered eraser 50 has an outermost layer 52, an intermediate
layer 54, and an innermost layer 56. The outermost layer 52, the
intermediate layer 54, and the innermost layer 56 are each in the form of
different simulated portions of, for example, the Earth. The outermost
layer 52 of the layered eraser 50 has outermost layer surface 58 having
the shape of the Earth's crust; the intermediate layer 54 of the layered
eraser 50 has intermediate layer surface 60 having the shape of the
Earth's mantel; and the innermost layer 56 of the layered eraser 50 has
innermost layer surface 62 having the shape of the Earth's core. The
innermost layer 56 is nested within the intermediate layer 54, and the
intermediate layer 54 is nested within the outermost layer 52.

[0150]The layered eraser 50 has substantially cylindrical end portion 64
and substantially cylindrical chamber 66 for optionally receiving top
portion 68 of pencil 70 therein and mounting on the pencil 70. The
substantially cylindrical end portion 64 and/or the substantially
cylindrical chamber 66 may have other suitable shapes for mounting to the
top of the pencil 70. Alternatively, the substantially cylindrical end
portion 64 of the layered eraser 50 may be adapted to fit into or on top
of other suitable or alternative pencils.

[0151]The layered eraser 50, the plurality of layers, and portions of the
plurality of layers may be of different colors to simulate the Earth's
crust. Land masses may, for example, be shown in green and bodies of
water in blue. The innermost layer 56 may, for example, be yellow to
simulate the Earth's Inner Core. The intermediate layer 54 may, for
example, be orange to simulate the Earth's Outer Core. The outermost
layer 52 may, for example, be red to simulate the Earth's Mantle.

[0153]FIGS. 34-37 show steps of a process for fabricating the layered
eraser 50. FIG. 34 shows the pouring of liquid material 80 into mold
portion 82. FIG. 35 shows a mold 84 that may be used to fabricate the
layered eraser 50. The mold 84 has the mold portions 82. FIG. 36 shows a
device for nesting different layers of the layered eraser 50 and, in
particular, an armature 86 or framework around which the layered eraser
50 may be fabricated. FIG. 37 shows the outermost layer 52 of the layered
eraser 50 being fabricated about the intermediate layer 54 of the layered
eraser 50.

[0154]The process for fabricating the layered eraser 50 may be used for
fabricating a variety of alternative layered erasers, multi layered
erasers, and nested erasers, or other suitable processes may be used to
fabricate the layered eraser 50 and/or to fabricate other suitable
alternative embodiments.

[0155]FIGS. 38-42 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 90,
which is substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that the
layered eraser 90 is of a simulated dinosaur head and, in particular, a
simulated T-Rex dinosaur head.

[0156]The layered eraser 90 is shown mounted on a portion of a pencil 92
in FIG. 38 showing mouth portion 93 of the layered eraser 90 worn away,
which is discussed in more detail later. FIGS. 39-42 show different
layers of the layered eraser 90. FIG. 39 shows outermost layer 94 of the
layered eraser 90, which represents the epidermis layer of the T-Rex
dinosaur head, and which may also be called the epidermis layer of the
layered eraser 90. FIG. 40 shows first intermediate layer 96, which
represents the musculature layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, and which
may also be called the musculature layer of the layered eraser 90. FIG.
41 shows second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletal
layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, and which may also be called the
skeletal layer of the layered eraser 90. FIG. 42 shows innermost layer
100, which represents the brain layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, and
which may also be called the brain layer of the layered eraser 90.

[0157]The layered eraser 90, the plurality of layers, and portions of the
plurality of layers may be of different colors to simulate the T-Rex
dinosaur head. The outermost layer 94 of the layered eraser 90, which
represents the epidermis layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, may, for
example, have a variety of colors and be full color erasable pigments.
The first intermediate layer 96, which represents the musculature layer
of the T-Rex dinosaur head may, for example, be different shades of pink.
The second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletal layer of
the T-Rex dinosaur head, may, for example, be white and pink, but may
alternatively be translucent. The innermost layer 100, which represents
the brain layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, may be, for example, grey and
pink.

[0158]The outermost layer 94 of the layered eraser 90, which represents
the epidermis layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, the first intermediate
layer 96, which represents the musculature layer of the T-Rex dinosaur
head, and the second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletal
layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head are shown as having been worn away at
the mouth portion 93 of the layered eraser 90 in FIG. 38.

[0159]FIGS. 43-48 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 110,
which is substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that the
layered eraser 110 is of another simulated dinosaur head and, in
particular, a simulated Triceratops dinosaur head.

[0160]FIG. 43 shows the layered eraser 110 having the shape of the
simulated Triceratops dinosaur head. FIG. 44 shows the layered eraser 110
mounted on a portion of a pencil 111.

[0161]FIG. 45 shows the layered eraser 110 having an outermost layer 112,
an intermediate layer 114, and an innermost layer 116. The outermost
layer 112, the intermediate layer 114, and the innermost layer 116 are
each in the form of different layers of the simulated Triceratops
dinosaur head. The outermost layer 112 of the layered eraser 110 has
outermost layer surface 118 having the shape of a first simulated
Triceratops dinosaur head layer; the intermediate layer 114 of the
layered eraser 110 has intermediate layer surface 120 having the shape of
a second simulated Triceratops dinosaur head layer; and the innermost
layer 116 of the layered eraser 110 has innermost layer surface 122
having the shape of a third simulated Triceratops dinosaur head layer.
The innermost layer 116 is nested within the intermediate layer 114, and
the intermediate layer 114 is nested within the outermost layer 112.

[0162]The layered eraser 110 has end portion 124 and substantially
cylindrical chamber 126 for optionally receiving top portion 128 of the
pencil 111 therein and mounting on the pencil 111. The end portion 124
and/or the substantially cylindrical chamber 126 may have other suitable
shapes for mounting to the top of the pencil 111. Alternatively, the
substantially cylindrical end portion 124 of the layered eraser 110 may
be adapted to fit into or on top of other suitable or alternative
pencils.

[0163]FIGS. 46-48 show the outermost layer 112, the intermediate layer
114, and the innermost layer 116 of the layered eraser 110, respectively.

[0164]FIGS. 49-56 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 130,
which is substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that the
layered eraser 130 is of a simulated dog in a simulated carrying case.
FIGS. 49-56 show perspective, exploded, front, top, side, rear, and
bottom views of the layered eraser 130 of a simulated dog 132 in a
simulated carrying case 134 mounted on pencil 136.

[0165]The simulated dog 132 is partially surrounded by the simulated
carrying case 134. The simulated dog 132 may optionally be of eraser
material similar to that of the simulated carrying case 134, or the
simulated dog 132 may, for example, be of a substantially harder material
than that of the simulated carrying case 134, in which case the simulated
dog 132 may remain in tact and be saved as a toy and/or prize or object
after the simulated carrying case 134 is worn away. Plastic,
polyvinylchloride, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, rubber, metal,
wood, or other suitable material or combination thereof may be used,
which allow the simulated dog 132 to remain in tact and to be used as a
toy and/or a prize.

[0166]Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other
versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended
claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions
contained herein.